Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe

Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this is the main protein for the recipe.

All-purpose flour: Used to coat the chicken pieces, giving them a crispy texture when baked.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and the coating.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the coating mixture.

Buffalo sauce: A spicy, tangy sauce that gives the chicken bites their signature flavor.

Butter: Melted and mixed with the buffalo sauce to create a rich, flavorful coating.

To ensure your chicken bites are extra crispy, try double-coating them. After the initial coating in the flour mixture, let the pieces rest for a few minutes, then coat them again before placing them on the baking sheet. This extra layer will help achieve a crunchier texture once baked.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for bite-sized pieces.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu can mimic the texture of chicken when properly seasoned and cooked.

• All-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative that provides a slightly nutty flavor and similar binding properties.

• All-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used to achieve a crispy coating, though it may result in a lighter texture.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor profile compared to regular table salt.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat level but with a slightly different flavor, often described as more earthy.

• Black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different spice profile, making the dish spicier.

• Buffalo sauce - Substitute with sriracha sauce: Sriracha sauce provides a different type of heat and tanginess, offering a unique twist on the traditional buffalo flavor.

• Buffalo sauce - Substitute with barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce can give a sweet and smoky flavor, creating a different but delicious variation.

• Butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to achieve a similar richness and moisture without the dairy.

• Butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar texture and can add a subtle coconut flavor, which can be a unique twist.

• Allow the buffalo chicken bites to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bites soggy.

• Place the cooled chicken bites in an airtight container. For best results, use a container that is just the right size to minimize air exposure.

• If you plan to enjoy the chicken bites within a few days, store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken bites. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the chicken bites to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen chicken bites, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

• To maintain the best texture, avoid microwaving the chicken bites as this can make them rubbery. Reheating in the oven or an air fryer is recommended.

• If you have leftover buffalo sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week and can be used to refresh the chicken bites after reheating.

• Serve the reheated chicken bites with fresh vegetables like celery and carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauces for a quick and satisfying meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the buffalo chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the bites with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy again.
  5. For extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange the buffalo chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  4. Check for crispiness and heat an additional 1-2 minutes if needed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the buffalo chicken bites in the skillet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid to help retain moisture.
  5. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until they are heated through and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the buffalo chicken bites on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the buffalo chicken bites on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep them moist.
  4. Heat for 10-12 minutes, removing the foil for the last 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken bites at 400°F (200°C) until they are crispy and cooked through.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour, salt, and black pepper, and later to mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the coated chicken pieces on for baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour and buffalo sauce accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt, black pepper, and melted butter.

• Knife: Used to cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to cut the chicken breast.

• Tongs: Used to toss the baked chicken bites in the buffalo sauce mixture.

• Small bowl: Used to melt the butter before mixing it with the buffalo sauce.

• Whisk: Used to mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter together.

• Serving platter: Used to serve the buffalo chicken bites immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and mix the flour mixture the night before.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave to save time.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the chicken to save time.

Batch coating: Coat all chicken pieces in the flour mixture at once to streamline the process.